Clary Estes

Biography:
Clary Estes is a documentary photographer from Central Kentucky who works internationally on stories about the human condition. Artist Statement: When I was young, my mother gave me a camera as a means to stave off boredom one...
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PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

The Hamagurihama Project

Kameyama Sensei (meaning teacher and in this case used as a title of respect) pauses during a team lucheon around a grill in the camp grounds of Hamagurihama. The project is working to develop a number of programs including camping and nature studies.

Kameyama Chie pauses a moment as the Hamagurihama project cleans wool from their single black sheep, which they ironically named, Shiro (meaning white). None of the project team previously knew how to make wool products, but are all learning so that they can teach participants later.

Miyagi Ryodai cleans plates in the cafe at Hamagurihama. One of the first success stories from the project was the development of a cafe in the village, which serves local and organic food with a mean that changes seasonally.

I chair sits in the partial completed guest house in Hamagurihama. In addition to the cafe, camping and nature programs in the village, the Hamagurihama project is developing a guest house from one of the old traditonal style homes that was left after the tsunami.

The Hamagurihama Project came about as a result of the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Kameyama Sensei, resident of the village started to project as a way to save the village from falling into obscurity. Now, instead of a site reflecting of the disaster, Hamagurihama is a place people can come to reflect on the event and their lives, as well as a learn and practice the old ways of Japan. The Hamagurihama Project is a beautiful story of the strength of the human character in the face of great tragedy.